Boeing today unveiled details of its new tanker line (KC-7A7) for the upcoming U.S. Air Force tanker competition based on the 767 and 777 platforms. According to Boeing, by offering two varying models, the Air Force will have greater flexibility in choosing a successor the venerable KC-135 currently in use. The Boeing 767-based tanker is a powerful and demonstrated solution, while its big brother the 777-based tanker offers more fuel, cargo and passengers.

According to Boeing, the 767-based tanker can offload 20 percent more fuel, carry three times the cargo and transport five times the number of passengers compared with the Air Force's current KC-135. The 777-based tanker which is comparable to the A330, can deliver 23 percent more fuel, carry 44 percent more cargo and 42 percent more passengers than the Airbus A330.

Boeing also announced the launching of a new web site dedicated to the KC-7A7 program: UnitedStatesTanker.com The new web site will serve as a public forum and communicate up to date information about the Boeing KC-7A7 throughout the tanker competition.